Lawsuit alleges minors raped in Denney juvenile

A federal lawsuit has been filed against Snohomish County, alleging sexual abuse of minors by staff at juvenile prisons from the 1980s to 2006. The plaintiffs, aged 10 to 17 at the time of the incidents, report being coerced into sexual acts or molested by adult guards. The lawsuit claims the county acted with negligence and seeks a jury trial in U. S. District Court.

The county prosecutor’s office has announced it will respond to the allegations in court, emphasizing its commitment to addressing the claims. A change in state law has lifted the statute of limitations for survivors of childhood sexual abuse, enabling these allegations to be pursued. The incidents reportedly occurred at the Denney Youth Center and the Denney Juvenile Justice Center, both operated by the county. The youngest plaintiff was only 10 years old at the time of their incident. Bridget Casey, the Chief Civil Deputy Prosecuting Attorney, stated that the county is reviewing the complaint and will respond appropriately.